Matching a tri-hull Tidewater Boats 1996 2013 against a modified vee Tidewater Boats 2100 Bay Max 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Tidewater Boats 1996 2013 at 19,0 ft versus Tidewater Boats 2100 Bay Max 2011 at 21,5 ft. At 15 lbs and 19 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 200 hp, the Tidewater Boats 2100 Bay Max 2011 has a 85-hp advantage over the Tidewater Boats 1996 2013's 115-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 3 gal and 6 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Tidewater Boats 2100 Bay Max 2011 is rated for 6 passengers, while the Tidewater Boats 1996 2013 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Tidewater Boats 2100 Bay Max 2011 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Tidewater Boats 2100 Bay Max 2011 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 6 passengers and at 21,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Tidewater Boats 1996 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 5 that costs less to run day-to-day.